Automatic coupling mechanism for snow-plows and the like



I... F. HUSTING June 14, 1955 AUTOMATIC COUPLING MECHANISM FOR SNOW-FLOWS AND THE LIKE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 2, 1950 INVENTOR BY LlBORlUS F-HUSTIM ATTORNEYS June 14, 1955 F. HUSTING 2,710,464

AUTOMATIC COUPLING MECHANISM FOR SNOW-FLOWS AND THE LIKE Filed March 2, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 N OE INVENTOR LIBORlUS F. HUSTING 7 ATTORNEYS States Patented June 14, 1955 AUTGMATIC COUPLING MECHANISM FOR SNOW-PLOWS AND THE LIKE Liborius F. Husting, Hastings, Minn.

Application March 2, 1950, Serial No. 147,197

6 Claims. (CI. 3742) This invention relates to mechanisms for coupling propelling vehicles to snow-plows and the like.

An object of my invention is to provide mechanism for coupling propelling vehicles to snow-plows and the like which will automatically lock these structures to each other when the vehicle is moved into propelling position.

Another object is to provide means for simultaneously releasing such a coupling mechanism from a readily accessible position.

Another object is to provide pusher structure for the propelling vehicle of a snow-plow and the like which carries mechanism whereby the plow may be moved upwardly and downwardly relative to the pusher structure.

A further object is to provide pusher structure for the propelling vehicle of a snow-plow which can be readily mounted on the vehicle with a minimum of effort and which When mounted will be anchored on the most appropriate portion of a vehicle for bearing the force exerted against the vehicle structure by the pusher structure as a result of the resistance offered by the plow.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will more fully appear from the following description made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views and, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevational view of one embodiment of the invention utilized in conjunction with a snow-plow and truck with a portion broken away to show the method of attachment to the truck;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the structure shown in Fig. 1, after the snow-plow has been uncoupled from the pusher structure;

Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the coupling mechanism taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of the snow-plow and its pusher-receiver structure taken along line 44. of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the locking mechanism taken along line 55 of Fig. 3.

One embodiment of my invention includes, as shown in Figs. l-5, pusher-receiver structure designated general- 1y as R which provides a frame for carrying the snowplow S and pusher structure 1 adapted for attachment to a truck T. The blade 6 of the snow-plow S is carried by the pusher-receiver structure R. This pusher-receiver structure R includes a pair of braces 7 and 8. Extending upwardly from the braces 7 and 8 are a pair of upright bracing members 9 and 10, which are connected by transversely disposed abutment plate 11. This abutment plate 11 has two rearwardly extending flanges 12 and 13 attached to its end portions. The rear edges 14 and 15 of these flanges 12 and 13 are directed outwardly, as shown in Fig. 2 to provide guiding means for-the pusher structure P when it is brought into pushing position relative to the pusher-receiver structure R. Formed in the rearwardly extending flanges 12 and 13 are oppositely disposed slots 16 to provide cooperating coupling elements for coupling elements to be described hereinafter on the pusher structure P. Also formed in each of the flanges 12 and 13 above the slots 16 and the upright bracing members 9 and 1:) is an additional coupling element 16a which, as shown, is in the form of a round aperture. The upright members 9 and it) are connected adjacent their forward portions by an overhead lifting element 17 which as shown is in the form of a bent plate.

The pusher structure P is comprised of a pair of spaced substantially parallel frame bars 18 and 19. These frame bars 18 and 19 are substantially U-shaped cross-sectionally and are connected at their forward ends by a crossbar 20, which also is of U-shape cross-sectionally. A similarly formed bracing bar 21 connects the intermediate portions of the frame bars 18 and 19. Each of the frame members 18 and 19 are connected at rearward ends to the frame of the truck T by a plate 18a and 19a. Mounted on each of the frame bars 18 and 19 and extending upwardly therefrom are securing members 22 and 23 which are shaped as shown in Fig. 1 to receive the front axle 24 of the truck T. Secured to the forward ends of the frame bars 18 and 19 are a pair of upright frame members 25 and 26 which have a broadened portion 27 adjacent their lower ends which extends rearwardly to provide a brace for the same. Each of the upright frame members 25 and 26 has an inwardly extending flange 27 and 28 adjacent to its forward edge. The upper ends of the upright frame members 25 and 26 are connected by a cross-sectionally U-shaped horizontal cross-bar 29. Extending between the upright frame members 25 and 26 adjacent their forward edges and intermediate portions is a mounting plate 39 which has an inwardly extending flange 31. Mounted adjacent each end of the inwardly extending flange 31 are two upwardly facing U-shaped brackets 32 and 33. Carried in apertures provided therefor in the opposite arms of each of the brackets 32 and 33 is a slidable coupling eiement which is shown in the form of shiftable locking bolts 34 and 35. Each of these locking bolts 34 and 35 are bent rearwardly at their intermediate portions just inward of the two brackets 32 and 33, whereby rearwardly extending portions 36 and 37 are formed. Each of the locking bolts 34 and 35 has its outer edge 34a and 35a bevelled to provide a camrning surface. These locking bolts 34 and 35 extend outwardly beyond the upright frame members 25 and 26 through apertures provided therefor, as shown in Fig. 5. Each of the locking bolts 34 and 35 carries a compression spring 38 and 39 between the opposite arms of its- U- shaped bracket. The outer end of the compression springs 38 and 39 are secured relative to its carrying bolt 34 and 35 by a pinion 4t) and 41. Pivotally secured to a centrally located upright flange 42 formed on the flange 31 by a bolt 43 is a lever arm 44. Tue lower end ofthe lever arm 44 is connected by any suitable means to the inwardly extending portion 37 of the locking bolt 35 by a link 45. Secured to the lever arm 44 at a point above the bolt 43 and to the rearwardly extending portion 36 of the locking bolt 34 is a link 46.

Mounted centrally of the mounting plate 30 and forward of the upright flange 42 on the flange 31 is a U- shaped bracket 47. Mounted on the upper portion of the horizontal cross-bar 29 and centrally thereof is a similar upwardly extending U-shaped bracket 48. Secured to the bracket 48 is a forwardly and diagonally extending lifting arm 49. This lifting arm is activated by the conventional actuating mechanism 50 which is mounted in the U-shaped bracket 47 and connected to the conventional power lifting source (not shown) of the truck T.

Operation In operation the pusher structure P is secured to the frame and axle of the truck T, as shown in Fig. 1. in order to couple the snow-plow S and its pusherreceiver structure R to the truck T, the driver of the truck needs only drive his truck forwardly into approximately aligned position until the pusher structure I comes in contact with the pusher-receiver struc As this position is approached the outwardly e: rear edges 14 and 15 will guide the two structures relative to each other to aligned position. The bevelled edges 34a and 35:; provide camming surfaces for forcing the locking bolts 34 and 35 inwardly, thereby compressing their springs 38 and 39. When the pusher-receiver structure P has come in contact with the abutment plate 11. the compression springs 38 and 39 will cause the locking bolts 34 and 35 to spring outwardly into the apertures 16a which will have become aligned therewith as a result of the aligning of the pusher structure relative the pusher-receiver structure to a pushing pos n. When the driver wishes to uncouple the puslier-receivcr structure R and its snow-plow S all that need be done is to draw the lever arm 44 to the right (looking at the Fig. 3) whereupon the links 45 and 46 will withdraw the locking bolts 34 and 35 to uncouple thc pusherreceiver structure R. By moving the truck rearwardly the pusher structure P can thereupon be disengaged from the plow.

While the snow-plow S is coupled to the truck T by the pusher structure P it is possible to move the plow to positions of various elevation, as shown in Fig. l. The actuating mechanism 50 can be made to cause the lifting arm 49 to move to various elevations whereupon the pusher receiver structure R will raise or lower relative to the pusher structure P and the truck T. This is accomplished by means of the vertical slots 16 within which the pins 34 and 35 are free to slide.

My invention has advantages which makes it a highly desirable coupling mechanism. Prior to my invention it had been necessary in order to couple a snow-plow or the like to a propelling vehicle such as a truck T to crawl beneath the propelling vehicle to couple or uncouple the snow-plow thereto. This involved a great deal of effort and discomfort since it was necessary to lie in the snov while effecting this operation and to work in extremely inconvenient positions. My invention makes it possible to accomplish this operation at a great saving of time, effort and inconvenience, since all that is necessary to couple the snow-plow to the truck T is to drive the truck forwardly against the plow in approximately aligned po sition. My coupling mechanism thereupon operates to automatically couple the snow-plow S to the truck T. It is not necessary to even stop the truck for this engaging operation. Instead, the driver may proceed forwardly rithout hesitation and does not need to leave the cab of his trucl: to accomplish the attachment.

Another advantage of my device is that the plow when raised by the lifting arm .9 will be at a level position instead of at an angle to the truck. This means that when it is necessary to operate the snow-plow at an elevated position it will operate much more effectively.

It should be noted that the method of attachment of my coupling mechanism is such that it can be quickly secured to or removed from the propelling vehicle with a minimum of inconvenience. The securing members 22 and 23 serve to maintain the pusher structure 1 in slightly elevated position and are easily mounted on the axle 24.

The pushing force required to move the snow-plow is provided by the plates 18a and 1911 which secure the frame bars 18 and 19 to the frame of the truck T. in this manner the portion of the truck most appropriate for hearing the strain, the frame, is caused to provide the pushing force.

One important feature of my invention is that it provides mechanism which enables the driver of the truck T to pay attention only to properly aligning his truck with the pusher-receiver structure R. It is not necessary for him to concern himself over how far forwardly or back wardly he moves the truck. All he needs to do is to drive forwardly in an approximately aligned position and the automatic locking mechanism will guide the pusherreceiver structure to locking position. At the same time, while this is being accomplished, it should be noted that the lifting arm 49 is automatically aligned with its cooperating lifting element, the overhead plate 17. It can be readily seen that my invention provides coupling mechanism which makes it possible to couple a snowlow to a propelling vehicle with a minimum of effort and inconvenience.

When it becomes necessary to change blades on the snow plow S it can be accomplished with a minimum of effort and inconvenience with my invention. The operator of the propelling vehicle needs only to cause the locking bolts 34 and 35 to enter the apertures 160. Thereupon the plow will become swingably mounted on the pusher structure P. It is an easy matter thereafter to swing the blade 6 of the pusher-receiver structure R outwardly and upwardly to a position where a mechanic can easily perform the necessary operations to remove the blade 6 and substitute a sharper blade therefor.

It will, of course, be understood, that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the various parts without departing from the scope of my invention.

I claim:

I. An automatic coupling mechanism for a snowplow and the like comprising a carrying-frame structure having means for attachment to a propelling vehicle in forwardly disposed pos' on relative thereto and being adapted for co-operation with a plow frame structure of said snowplow for movement of the plow forwardly along the road, coupling and guiding elements mounted on said carryingframe structure. said coupling elements being constantly and yielda'oly urged toward coupling position and having cammed end surfaces providing automatic engagement with co-operating coupling and guide means provided therefor on the plow rame structure of said snow-plow when said car, 'ing-frame structure is brought into horizontal gnment with the plow frame structure for pushing the snowplow, whereby the guiding elements and the guide means allow vertical movement of the plow frame structure relative to the carrying-frame structure, and lever mechanism for simultaneously retracting said first mentioned coupling elements whereby said snowplow may be uncoupled from said pusher structure.

2. An automatic coupling mechanism for a snowplow and the like comprising a carrying-frame structure having means for attachment to a propelling vehicle in forwardly disposed position relative thereto, and being adapted for co-operation with a plow frame structure of said snow-plow for movement of the plow forwardly along the road, coupling and guiding elements mounted on said carrying-frame structure for sliding movement relative thereto and normally extending outwardly from said structure and readily yieldable spring mechanism constantly urging said coupling elements outwardly, said coupling elements having cumming surfaces for automatic engagement with cooperating coupling and guide means provided therefor on the plow frame structure of the plow. when said carrying-frame structure is brought into horizontal alignment with such plow frame structure for push ing the snowplow, whereby the guiding elements and the guide means allow vertical movement of the plow frame structure relative to the carrying-frame structure.

3. An automatic coupling mechanism for a snowplow and the like having a plow frame structure thereon comprising carrying'frame structure having means for attachment to a propelling vehicle in position ahead thereof and being adapted for co-operation with the plow frame structure of said snow-plow for movement of the plow forwardly along the road, spring activated locking and guiding bolts shiftably and protractibly mounted on said carrying-frame structure, said locking bolts having cammed end surfaces permitting automatic engagement with co-operating locking and guide means provided therefor on the plow frame structure of said snow-plow when said carrying-frame structure is brought into horizontal alignment with said plow frame structure for pushing the snowplow, whereby the guiding bolts and the guide means allow vertical movement of the plow frame structure relative to the carrying-frame structure, and mechanism mounted on said carrying-frame structure for simultaneously retracting said shiftable locking bolts whereby said snow-plow may be unlocked from said carrying-frame structure.

4. An automatic coupling mechanism for snow plows and the like comprising carrying-frame structure having means for attachment to a propelling vehicle in forwardly disposed position relative thereto, frame structure attachable to the rear of a snow plow, coupling and guiding elements shiftably and protractibly mounted on one of said structures, said coupling elements having cammed end surfaces, spring mechanism constantly and yieldably urging said coupling elements outwardly toward coupling position, cooperating coupling and guide means mounted on the other of said structures for alignment with said shiftable coupling elements when said structures are aligned for pushing, and outwardly extending horizontal guide elements also mounted on the other of said structures adjacent said cooperating coupling elements in position to engage the cammed end surfaces of said shiftable coupling elements when said structures are substantially horizontally aligned for pushing and to cause said shiftable coupling elements to move to retracted position and to thereby provide automatic engagement between said shiftable coupling elements and said cooperating coupling elements when said carrying-frame is horizontally aligned with said frame structure for pushing, whereby the guiding elements and the guide means allow vertical movement of one of said structures relative to the other of said structures.

5. An automatic coupling mechanism for snow plows and the like comprising carrying-frame structure having means for attachment to a propelling vehicle in a forwardly disposed position relative thereto, frame structure connectable to the rear of a snow plow and having rearwardly and outwardly extending horizontal guide elements thereon, coupling and guiding elements shiftably and protractibly mounted on said carrying-frame structure, spring mechanism constantly urging said coupling elements outwardly into coupling position, cooperating coupling and guide means mounted on said frame structure ad jacent the horizontal guide elements of said frame structure and in position for horizontal alignment with said shiftable coupling elements when said structures are aligned for pushing, said first-mentioned coupling elements having camrned end surfaces adapted to engage said guide elements and to force said horizontal coupling elements to retracted position to provide automatic engagement between said first-mentioned coupling elements and said cooperating coupling means when said carrying-frame is horizontally aligned with said frame structure for pushing, whereby the guiding elements and the guide means allow vertical movement of the plow frame structure relative to the carrying-frame structure.

6. An automatic coupling mechanism for snow plows and the like comprising carrying-frame structure having means for attachment to a propelling vehicle in forwardly disposed position relative thereto, frame structure attachable to the rear of a snow plow, coupling and guiding elements shiftably and protractibly mounted on one of said structures, said coupling elements having cammed outer end surfaces and being constantly and yieldably urged toward coupling position, cooperating coupling and guide means mounted on the other of said structures for alignment with said shiftable coupling elements when said structures are horizontally aligned for pushing, whereby the guiding elements and the guide means allow vertical movement of one of said structures relative to the other of said structures, and hook-like securing members mounted on said carrying-frame structure and being adapted to receive and engage the front axle of the propelling vehicle in such a manner that the axle of the propelling vehicle will be called upon to maintain the forward portion of said frame structure in a slightly elevated position above the ground, said hook-like securing members being adapted to facilitate the attachment and detachment of said frame structure to the propelling vehicle.

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